Planning for Success
Accessory Dwelling Units ASSOCIATES NC
Reducing Barriers to ADUs
pre-approved
Case Study - ADU Barrier Reduction, Seattle, WA plans for
Some states and municipalities across the country have taken additional
steps to make the approval and permitting of ADUs as streamlined as
possible while still considering the impacts on surrounding property
owners. For example, the City of Seattle has been working for several
years to streamline the ADU permitting system and reduce as many
barriers to cost and construction as possible. A report from the City’s
Planning Director in 2016 identified several barriers to address to improve
the delivery of ADUs. These included:
¢ Removal of off-street parking requirements for ADUs
¢ Reduce minimum lot sizes for detached ADUs
¢ Allow the same gross square foot limits for attached and detached
ADUs
¢ Allow flexibility for placing primary entrances
¢ Allow modified roof lines/features that create useable spaces The City notes pre-approved designs will offer a faster, easier, and more predictable
¢ Allow an ADU structure to be placed within the rear setback path to permitting and construction of ADUs. Homeowners choosing the pre-approved
plans will pay reduced permit fees and get their permit within 2-6 weeks for sites
In February 2020, the City put out a call for submissions of designs for without environmental issues, drainage, or protected trees. On a similar note, the State
detached ADUs that could be chosen for pre-approval making the of California has a similar process in many of its cities building on a statewide mandate
development of ADUs in the City faster and easier. The intention was for a to remove barriers to the permitting and construction of ADUs. Several cities across
selection committee to choose between 6-10 plans that City permitting California have created pre-approved plans for ADUs and some have even partnered
staff would pre-approve for compliance with structural codes. These with modular construction companies to build pre-approved ADUs for buyers.
plans would then be displayed online with the designers contact
information and property owners could contact the designer to have Sources: Barriers to ADUs
plans drawn up and begin the steps to permit the ADU on their site. ADU Pre-Approvals
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